CameraWatch calls for annual audits and inspections of public space CCTV

07 Dec 09

The CCTV Watchdog has responded to a Government report questioning the effectiveness of Scotland’s 2,200 public space cameras.

By Brian Sims

According to the report – the first detailed review of public space CCTV cameras ever undertaken north of the border – many of the cameras are old and in need of urgent replacement.

The report also questions the effectiveness of many of these systems (themselves operated on behalf of nearly all Scotland’s local authorities) and indeed, and for what use they are deployed.

“Annual inspection of public space surveillance CCTV cameras is the only way to ensure they work properly, provide value for money and aid in the prevention and detection of crime,” said CameraWatch chief executive Gordon Ferrie.

Implications for data protection

As far as CameraWatch is concerned, the report vindicates its position on the personnel operating CCTV systems, the equipment they use and the implications for data protection.

Ferrie added: “CameraWatch has long held the view that annual audits and a registration system for CCTV systems is the only way to guarantee they do what people want them to do – chiefly, to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, provide evidence in criminal prosecutions and assist in the protection of property and individuals.”

Among the points made in the Government’s report – entitled: ‘Improving The Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Space CCTV in Scotland’ – is the assertion that “there are no clear measures of the basic operational or performance levels within CCTV control centres across the country (Scotland)”.

Ferrie continued: “Annual assessments address this point and provide a benchmark for the levels of compliance with the Data Protection Act, the Information Commissioner’s Office Code of Practice and CameraWatch’s own criteria for what is an effective CCTV system.

Annual assessment for Control Centres

CameraWatch is in the process of launching its new annual assessment scheme for CCTV Control Centres. Speaking about that scheme, Ferrie stated: “We believe this will go some way towards allaying fears over the effectiveness and purpose of public space CCTV systems.”

The Government report also asks whether or not CCTV cameras are giving value for money, and asks if they really do prevent crime.

Under CameraWatch’s proposed registration scheme, which CameraWatch has discussed with the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) and also the Scottish arm of the Information Commissioner’s Office, images and footage would have to be recorded in formats compatible with Court-owned equipment.

Strathclyde Police, a regular contributor to CameraWatch Forums, has recently spoken of its frustration when evidence presented in Court is unusable because of its poor quality or incompatibility with Court equipment.

Ferrie explained: “The Government report asks if cameras really do cut crime. Our answer to that would be an emphatic ‘Yes’… if they are correctly positioned, routinely maintained, operated properly and in compliance with the DPA and ICO Code of Practice.”

Total confidence in CCTV

In conclusion, Ferrie told SMT Online: “Cameras can be an effective tool in crime prevention, detection and public safety. However, until the Government and general public alike have total confidence in CCTV systems and the people operating them, then their effectiveness will always be open to question.”

CameraWatch is the UK’S leading CCTV advisory body dedicated to improving compliance and Best Practice for the benefit of all CCTV stakeholder groups.

The organisation is an independent, not-for-profit, self-funding body that will support the understanding of CCTV and Data Protection Act compliance with current policy and legislation to remove risks relating to data protection and other legal non-compliance.

Its activities are funded by sponsorship from the Niscayah Group, Norbain, RBS, HSBC, Synectic Systems Group, JVC Professional Europe and CASE Security with active support from Compliance Solutions and Connect Communications.